In a studio, start by choosing a fridge that fits the available space, with room for ventilation and a door that can open properly. A table-top fridge without a freezer is suitable if you mainly store fresh food. A single-door model with a freezer compartment can handle occasional freezing, while a small fridge freezer is worth considering if you have enough height and want two separate compartments. For one person, UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits and available space.
If your kitchen opens onto your living space, compare the usable capacity with your usual shopping and pay attention to the stated noise level. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person.
A single-door model with a freezer compartment can handle occasional freezing without taking up space with two separate compartments. Check the capacity of each section, not just the total.
If the fridge is going under a worktop, between units or next to a wall, measure the ventilation space and door clearance too. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the door needs to open wide enough for you to remove the bins and drawers.
Your choice of format depends first on the space you can actually use and how often you freeze food. Then compare the capacity, noise level and energy consumption of models that fit the space.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and want a compact appliance.
The trade-off: you’ll need another solution if you want to store frozen food.
Consider this if: you have limited space but occasionally freeze a few foods.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up space that would otherwise be used for refrigeration, so check the capacity of each section on the model you’re considering.
Consider this if: you regularly use frozen food and have room for two separate compartments.
The trade-off: pay particular attention to the available height, clearance and drawer access.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the manual for the required clearance. Check the door swing and whether the bins can be removed; as a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 5 cm at the sides and behind, and 10 cm above. | My fridge will be under a worktop or next to a wall: the door and bins must still be usable once the appliance is in place. |
| Capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartment separately. UFC-Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. | I shop less often or store frozen food: the total capacity doesn’t tell me how much space is available for each purpose. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) for models that fit your space. UFC-Que Choisir gives less than 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest appliances. | In a one-room home, the fridge will be close to my bed, desk or living area. |
| Energy | Check the kWh/year as well as the energy rating, then compare capacity and noise levels. The European Commission states that the energy label for domestic fridges has used the A to G scale since March 2021. | I want to compare appliances that suit my space and shopping habits, rather than choosing based on the label’s letter alone. |
An appliance may fit between two units but still lack ventilation space, or prevent you from removing the bins if the door cannot open far enough.
Measure the space and the clearance in front of the door, then follow the manual’s clearance instructions. UFC-Que Choisir’s general advice is to leave at least 5 cm at the sides and behind, and 10 cm above.
An integrated compartment takes up space in a small appliance. Check its capacity if frozen food is a regular part of your shopping.
Compare your storage habits with the capacity and type of compartment listed for the model. If you want two separate sections, check that a small fridge freezer will fit the space.
The rating letter doesn’t replace the annual energy consumption figure or comparisons of capacity and noise level, all of which matter in a studio.
For appliances that meet the same needs, compare the kWh/year with the capacity of each compartment and the stated noise level.
Installing an appliance too close to surrounding surfaces can restrict ventilation. Inside the fridge, Anses points out that overfilling stops air from circulating properly.
Follow the installation instructions and leave space between food items. Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C.
These examples show formats and dimensions you can compare. Each feature mentioned applies to the model named, not the brand’s entire range.
Bosch offers two freestanding table-top models with the same stated dimensions, allowing you to compare a version without a freezer with one that has a freezer compartment.
Beko describes the TSE1264FMGN as a 54 cm-wide fridge designed in particular for smaller kitchens.
Candy’s catalogue includes the CHASD4351EWC, a single-door table-top fridge designed to fit under a worktop.
This selection includes two fridge freezers with separate compartments and a single-door model with a compact freezer section. Compare them based on the space available and how often you store frozen food.
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Worth considering if you want separate fridge and freezer compartments in a small kitchen. This 174 L freestanding fridge freezer features Low Frost and a reversible door. Check its height, the clearance specified in the manual, noise level and kWh/year to make sure it suits your space.
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Its stated capacities of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer may suit your need for separate storage, but could be more than you need if you’re looking for a very small appliance. The product details list a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, clearance and kWh/year too.
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Its compact freezer section may suit you if you need occasional freezer space, but check that it has enough capacity for the food you want to store. With a stated total capacity of 92 L, compare the fresh-food space with your usual shopping. Also check the full dimensions, clearance and noise level.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check the freezer capacity separately if you store frozen food.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 5 cm at each side and behind, and 10 cm above. Also make sure the door can open far enough for you to remove the bins.
It may be suitable for occasional use if the model’s compartment has enough space and the right features for the food you want to store. If you store frozen food regularly, compare its capacity with that of a small fridge freezer with separate compartments, taking the available height into account.
No. When choosing a fridge for a studio, also compare its stated energy consumption in kWh/year, capacity and noise level. The European Commission states that the energy scale for domestic fridges has run from A to G since March 2021.
Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C. Avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate between food items.